Private landlords ‘must understand legislation’

Private landlords must ensure that they have "a thorough understanding of the relevant regulations"involved in renting out property.

The managing director of Paragon Mortgages, John Heron, issued landlord advice by saying that national regulatory bodies and trade associations can help in this regard.

It is "not difficult"to get help with the landlord legal issues that will face people joining the lettings industry.

He said: "It would make sense to join the National Landlords Association (NLA), which provides a wealth of information and advice to their members."

Letting agents can help with a number of other issues, Mr Heron added.

NLA figures suggest that there are around 50 Acts of Parliament and 70 sets of regulations governing the private rented sector in the UK.

Last month, the Association of Residential Letting Agents suggested that the current economic climate has prompted an increase in the number of UK landlords. The regulatory body warned that all newcomers must be regulated.